Data is a lifeline in the Gulf. Just ask anyone who’s ever been there. The need for it grows as the list of services that use data and the reliance on it for communication and navigation, increases. A stable data connection is particularly handy when you want to go on a complication-free outing.
Given the competitive nature of the mobile market in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, you’re bound to be rewarded with a variety of data packages, gifts, and promotions.
The bad news? Most people never use them, since they are usually hidden in fine print, buried inside the messages or the app.
Using the techmla guide, you will discover what you’re likely to be offered by the main data players and the steps you’ll need to go through to activate the offers. A note before you start. While the offers you go through keep changing, this guide will give you a good idea of what to expect. Always cross-check the official app, before you incur any cost to buy something.
The Mobile Landscape in UAE and Saudi Arabia
Before looking for offers, it is good to have an understanding of the main players.
In the UAE, the two principal operators are e& (previously Etisalat) and du. Both have comprehensive 5G networks throughout the Emirates. Virgin Mobile UAE is available as a digital brand that operates on the du network and is app-based for the most part.
In Saudi Arabia, the primary three operators are STC, Mobily and Zain KSA. There are also other competing small operators like Virgin Mobile KSA, Lebara and Salam, providing basic and affordable plans primarily for expatriates.
All these operators have their own strategies. There are operators offering large starter bonuses, some drive loyalty programs, and others offer deals that are only available through their apps. Identifying the operator that would offer you the best incentive is beneficial, and is the kind of query that is most common among Techmla readers.
Common Types of Free Data Offers
Free data usually has an equivalent cost, and understanding the different formats of offers would help you identify the most beneficial one.
1. Bonuses for New Connections and Customers
When you buy a new SIM card, or change to a different network operator, the new network usually offers a data bonus. Airport SIM cards, intended for use by travelers, usually include a data bundle.
2. Recharge-Based Bonuses
Operators typically reward customers for recharging. An example is offering additional data for a limited period. These recharge bonuses happen around holidays and can be found via an operator’s SMS or app promotion.
3. App-Exclusive Gifts
App-exclusive offers are the hardest deals to find. Operators want customers to actively use their apps, so players find rewards on a daily or weekly basis. Rewards can be in the form of spin-the-wheel games, check-in rewards, or surprise in-app gifts.
4. Loyalty and Rewards Programs
Loyal customers can earn rewards points that can be redeemed for data. In the UAE, the e& company has their own version called the Smiles program, while the STC & Mobily companies in Saudi Arabia have their versions called Qitaf and Neqaty, respectively. Regular spenders redeem points for data, shopping vouchers, and other services.
5. Referral Rewards
Data bonuses are given when a family member or coworker joins the same operator on your referral. This is a great way to earn extra data for you and your referrers.
6. Seasonal and Event Promotions
Gulf operators are very promotional. Expect special offers around the holidays, including:
- Eid & Ramadan
- UAE National Day (12/02)
- Saudi National Day (09/23) & Founding Day
- Hajj and Umrah seasons
- Summer promotions
These are the best times to get promotions, including additional data.
What Are the Current UAE Mobile Data Offers?
e& (Etisalat)
As the UAE’s largest network provider, e& has a multitude of both prepaid and postpaid options. Their app, My e&, has all the information related to your account, including offers, balance, and add-ons.
Things to check:
- New prepaid SIM welcome offers
- Data add-ons available on your account page
- Reward points through Smiles
- Packs designed specifically for tourists
If you regularly use e&, make sure to open the app weekly. Offers are customized and you may get a bonus that your friends don’t.
du
Du is known to be flexible with their plans and has a significant amount of deals, particularly for prepaid plans. Their app, du, is where everything happens.
Things to look for:
- Data bonuses upon recharge
- New, cheaper data packs for use during the week or month
- Loyalty rewards
- Special family and expat bundles
Du also provides limited time offers, which can be found on the main page of the app. These can disappear as quickly as a few days after they have been posted, so make sure to claim the offer as quickly as possible when you see it.
Virgin Mobile UAE
As Virgin Mobile UAE relies heavily on their app, they appeal more to the younger market. They boast generous data options for a prepaid plan with fewer contract obligations. If you are an app user and prefer to manage everything online, you may want to check them out.
What to Look for in Saudi Arabia Mobile Data Offers
STC
As the biggest operator in the Kingdom, STC has the largest lineup inclusive of prepaid Sawa options. The mySTC app is essential for line management and promotion browsing.
Helpful things to check:
- New SIM welcome packs
- Data add-ons app
- Qitaf points for reward redemption
- Limited offers before, during, and after Ramadan and Hajj
Mobily
With extensive coverage, Mobily is an equally strong competitor and has app-exclusive deals.
Keep an eye out for:
- Flexible promotional data bundles
- Rewards through the Neqaty system
- Exclusive online discounts
- Visitor and pilgrim packages
Zain KSA
If you want large data allowances and low costs, strong competition typically comes from Zain KSA for price and data volume.
Offers typically include:
- New subscriber bonus data
- New special recharge offers
- App rewards and offers
Virgin Mobile KSA, Lebara and Salam
These smaller brands cater to budget and data conscious consumers and contain more starter bonuses. However, they do not have the same coverage reputation as the big 3 in some areas of the Kingdom, so you should check coverage in the area that you will most be using the service.
How to Claim Free Data Offers: a Practical Step-by-Step Guide
Claiming free data offers is usually simple, but there are a few practices that help maximize the available offers.
Step 1: Download the Official App
Most offers exist in the operator’s app. Download the app from the official app stores only and log in using your mobile number. Do not use the random links sent in text messages because they often contain scams that offer ‘free data’.
Step 2: Check the Offers or Rewards Section
Look at the tabs of the app. They may say ‘Offers’, ‘Rewards’, ‘Promotions’, ‘Gifts’, and ‘For You’. You may be surprised at how much was not there before.
Step 3: Read the Conditions Carefully
Pay attention to the following conditions:
- Valid Period – how long the bonus is valid for
- Eligibility – who is eligible for the bonus; only new customers or everyone
- Usage Limits – if the bonus is limited to only certain apps or certain times
- Auto-renewal – if the bonus is free but will be charged once it is time to renew
This is probably the most important point. The bonus is not really ‘free’ if you have to pay to renew it.
Step 4: Activate the Offer
To activate the bonus, you may have to click a button that says ‘Claim’ or ‘Subscribe’, or you may have to send a short code through a text message. A confirmation message should be sent.
Step 5: Confirm Your Balance
Now that you activated the bonus, check to see that it was added. If the bonus is not added, contact customer support with a screenshot of your confirmation message.
Step 6: Set a Reminder
Set a reminder on your calendar to use bonus data before it expires. This helps you avoid wasting gigabytes.
Tips for Visitors and Tourists
You do not need to sign up for a long-term plan if you are visiting the UAE or Saudi Arabia. Here is the best way to go about it.
Buy a Visitor SIM at the Airport. There are counters at the arrivals hall of both countries that sell SIMs and Data bundles for Tourists. Do not forget to take your passport, as it is required for registration.
Get an eSIM. If you are traveling with a supported device, there are plenty of Operators and Travel companies that sell digital plans which you can download over the network before you land to avoid Airport waits.
Check Roaming Costs. Your home SIM may get pricey to use abroad. Be sure to check the costs of a local SIM tourist plan versus the daily roaming pass from your home operator.
Use Free Wi-Fi (but be smart about it) Cafes, restaurants, Malls, and airports are some places where you will find Wi-Fi. This is great to use for downloading Data or an Offline map. Do not use it for your online banking or share passwords.
Check for Extensions. If your plans have changed, you can add more data or extensions to most tourist plans through the apps.
A bit of planning goes a long way for saving money when you visit these countries, which is the type of money-saving advice that Techmla is happy to provide.
Common Errors
It’s human to err and our users are no exception.
Neglecting to read Terms and Conditions. “Unlimited” is not always unlimited. In some cases, after a certain amount of usage, speed may decrease.
Not cancelling subscription after a free trial. A free trial may convert to a paid subscription. Check if free means paid later.
Being fooled by bogus offers. Do not trust a message with an unusual link claiming to give “100GB free.” Real offers do not require a link and come through proper channels.
Giving away OTP tokens. Do not give away one time passwords to anyone claiming to be from the support team. They won’t ask for it.
Remaining on an outdated plan. Most users pay for a plan that is no longer useful to them. Check usage regularly and move to a plan that better meets your needs.
Get the Best Value for Your Money
With a few simple tricks you can get a much better deal and stretch your data allowances.
- Understand historical usage. If you only use, for example, 20GB of your 100GB allowance, there’s no reason to pay for that plan.
- Use Wi-Fi. Use your mobile data only when necessary, and only after downloading and streaming on Wi-Fi.
- Be strategic about your top-ups. Always time your top-ups with a promotional offer to get extras.
- Use your loyalty points. Loyalty points won’t be worth anything if you let them expire. Use them while you can.
- Re-evaluate your deals annually. The world of telecom is always changing and a quick scan of the market might save you money.
- Use built in data saving features. Limiting background data helps if you are on a data restricted plan.
While these savings hacks may seem small, they can save you hundreds over the course of a year.
Offers and Prepaid vs. Postpaid
Flexibility of prepaid contracts makes them the better choice for tourists or users who like to control their spending. Prepaid contracts also have more promotions, recharge bonuses, and rewards.
Postpaid contracts are better for users who want a larger data allowance and a more consistent plan. Postpaid also has the additional benefits of bundling and financing.
If you prioritize flexibility, prepaid is the better choice. Track your spending for a couple months, then decide what you want based on your spending habits.
Staying Safe While Hunting for Deals
During data offer haydays, scammers are quick to try and take offers for themselves.
Here are some best practices to avoid scams.
- Operator deals should only be verified via their official app, website, or verified SMS.
- Any unknown payment link should not be trusted.
- No personal ID should be sent to any unaffiliated third party.
- A good offer should not be verified with anything other than the operator’s official app or website.
Bargain hunting enables you to save money and is worth your time.
Why Offers Change So Often
Promotional offers change constantly. Promotions are related to customer demand, competition, and gaps in the market. Around big events like Ramadan and other Holidays, you will see a larger variety of offers. During the rest of the year, there are smaller and more focused offers.
This is the reason you should check the Operator App more frequently instead of being passive and waiting for an SMS. Promotions are temporary and Techmla will capture every movement, so check back around the time we announce a new promotion.
Conclusion
Getting Mobile Data in UAE and Saudi Arabia is not a difficult task, but getting it for free, or at a discounted price, requires a little more effort. Most of the time, the discounts and offers are hidden in the loyalty apps and seasonal promotional campaigns, Moreover, offer terms and conditions should be read in order to avoid scams.
It is simple. Download the operator app, check the offers daily, and check if the loyalty point are spent and offers activated. It is even more beneficial to compare the plans available. This will help not only the residents, but even tourists.
To stay on top of the promotions in the Gulf region, keep checking Techmla for the latest updates and practical methods of staying connected.